Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to take on varied first opinion small animal work at Penrose Veterinary Group in Colchester. The role combines clinical variety with the chance to work cases up thoroughly, supported by experienced nursing colleagues and modern diagnostics.

You will be part of a collaborative practice where clinical standards and people are valued equally. The team includes eight experienced RVNs, leaders who listen and a culture that values kindness, professionalism, collaboration and wellbeing.

Practice hours are 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, with 1 in 3 Saturday mornings. This is a practice based role with no routine travel, and parking is available on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Run general consultations and preventative healthcare appointments
• Carry out medical case work ups and ongoing management
• Perform routine soft tissue surgery
• Handle urgent and emergency presentations within your capability
• Manage more complex cases, including GDVs, septic abdomens and exploratory laparotomies
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team and wider clinical colleagues

Requirements

• Experience as a Veterinary Surgeon in first opinion practice
• Confidence managing a varied caseload independently
• Ability to perform routine neutering, lump removals and other routine soft tissue procedures independently
• Compassionate and client focused approach
• Enjoys working collaboratively and supporting colleagues
• Willingness to manage urgent and emergency presentations within capability
• Interest in continuing clinical development
• Mentoring experience is welcome but not essential
• No postgraduate certificate is required

Benefits

• Salary of £55,000+ DOE
• £2,500 annual CPD allowance for Veterinary Surgeons
• Support towards certificates and individual clinical interests
• Mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing from experienced colleagues
• Clear opportunities for career progression and leadership development
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days after five years
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave, up to six months at 90% pay depending on length of service
• Enhanced paternity leave, up to four weeks full pay
• Five days of family leave for compassionate or emergency circumstances
• Private healthcare from April 2027
• 4% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing support
• Free eye tests and Occupational Health support
• BVA membership and VetLexicon access
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Staff discount on veterinary care within the practice group

About the Practice

Penrose Veterinary Group has cared for pets and their owners across Colchester for more than 35 years. It is part of Kin Vet Community, a small collective of like minded community veterinary practices that shares expertise, collaboration and investment while allowing Penrose to keep its own individuality, autonomy and culture.

The practice offers modern digital radiography, including a brand new X ray system, high quality ultrasound, endoscopy and bronchoscopy facilities for advanced diagnostics, and strong nursing input across consultations, procedures and patient care.